Category: Criminology

Learning outcomes:
1
Compare and contrast the relative contributions of different theories of white-collar, corporate and state crime.
2
Appreciate the bias and difficulties in identifying, defining and prosecuting crimes of the powerful.
3
Critically examine the way criminal behaviour has been constructed and conceptualised, with particular reference to white-collar, corporate and state crime.
4
Distinguish the serious and disproportionate contribution of crimes of the powerful compared to ordinary crimes, the ‘protected’ status of perpetrators and legal responses.
Essays should include both theory and examples/case studies. Emphasis should fall on analysis that demonstrates the achievement of the learning outcomes for this module. Arguments should be backed up, and sources should be referenced.
To understand the causes and consequences of white-collar, corporate and state crime through a reflection on the existing hierarchy of values, status and power, as well as to uncover how that hierarchy is conditioned by global, neoliberal capitalist economic structures.
•Suggestions to include:
•Discussion of Sutherland’s idea of white-collar crime (and later concepts such as corporate crime/crimes of the powerful) and the idea of crime being something that can be committed by an organisation as well as an individual 
•Concept of crime as social harm – remember, you are encouraged to think about crime beyond ‘legal’ definitions, so you can use case studies such as the financial crisis even if actions were not strictly illegal. (week 3 readings)
•Sutherland failed to explain the role of organisations and systemic failures (i.e. of global capitalist neoliberalism – see readings on week 6 and 7) so you will need to look at these, explain their key features, and their effects in terms of what role the system itself plays in developing criminality – processes such as financial deregulation and its consequences (as it is criminogenic)
•Capitalism and Neoliberalism (define, discuss and apply these concepts) and their ideologies of greed, self-interest
•Capitalism’s constant need to expand/compete with other capitalists and how these systemic factors logically compel corporations to behave unethically or commit crimes (little serious attention given to business ethics for example)
•The corporation itself and its ethos of ‘greed is good’
•The secretive nature of the corporation, encouraging loyalty to the shareholders at all costs, demanding conformity to group norms and the resulting distorted decision making (case studies/examples e.g. Madoff) (also see week five readings – toxic corporate culture, organizational crime)
•Typical response of the criminal justice system is to understand and prosecute such crimes (economic crimes) as crimes of the individual rather than crimes of the system itself (give examples/case studies) 
•Theories that might help to explain the behaviour of individuals within corporations (e.g. differential association) and corporation’s excusing their actions etc. (e.g. techniques of neutralisation – week 5 readings)
•The ‘rotten apple’ approach rather than the ‘rotten barrel’ approach – is it easier to blame individuals than face up to the notion that the system itself is criminogenic?
(Remember it must be a critical essay which includes a discussion about whether white collar crime is a result of individual corruption (e.g. theories of neutralisation and differential association to explain why they commit the crime) or systemic failure (e.g. how capitalism and neoliberalism lead to crime through- toxic corporate culture, government dysregulation of finances and CJS focus on lower class crimes and their failings to combat crimes of powerful).
It should include multiple case studies of white-collar crime but don’t describe these with immense detail, they should be described in around 1 sentence to then use that to back up the point that has been made and link it to the relevant theory that is being discussed in the section (Find this info on key themes of essay: relevant info for this essay question should be found from the slides 1-18 and then specifics for this essay are under question 3 (slides 23-24) 
-all lecture slides provided have some relevant info to the essay but you have to take out the necessary info to include and also the module handbook helps to understand the marking criteria, what learning outcomes are and any info around requirement of the essay that may be helpful.

Final Paper:
During the course of this class, we have discussed theories and how this relates to individuals committing crime. Theories are also used to explain how people make decisions and effect behavior. You will now complete an application paper applying one of the theories we discussed in class to a fictional criminal/villain. Tell me about the character, their motivations, and what makes them a villain? What theory applies to this character’s actions? Explain your choice. Using your theory, explain what could have been done to prevent them from becoming a villain? These are examples of the questions that need to be addressed in your paper.
The structure for the paper:
Title Page – including title, name, date, school, class (CRMJ 305)
Introduction
Inform the reader of the topic you are going to write about
Include a thesis statement
What you will cover in this paper
Ex: This paper will discuss the elements of _____ theory and how that theory pertains to the character of _________.
Body of Paper
Discuss character chosen – brief explanation of character background, crimes committed, and the motivations behind their crimes.
How the chosen theory relates to this character – use examples.
Include a brief explanation of the chosen theory – be thorough.
Explain how the character’s criminal involvement could have been prevented.
Also discuss how they would be treated in the criminal justice system if this were to happen in the real world.
Conclusion
Summarize the points you have made in the paper.
The theory you chose and why it pertained to this character.
Reference Page
APA format
Formatting Guidelines of the Paper:
3-6 pages (minimum of 3 FULL pages – NOT 2 ½!) not including title and reference page
Double spaced, 12-point font, Times New Roman, 1” margins, numbered pages
Minimum of 2 references relating to your chosen theory and your character.
You can use websites, media content (movie, TV), and scholarly articles. Don’t use Wikipedia
Was thinking of using Strain Theory to describe why the Joker, Joacquin Phoenix, commited the crimes that he did.  

No discussion of critical issues in policing would be complete without at least a brief look at the impact of advancing technology on the field. Among the advances with which we are all familiar are such things as the increasing uses of computers, of 911 and reverse 911 phone services, of cell phones, of less-than-lethal weapons, and of video cameras in patrol vehicles. In addition, police continue to use Global Positioning Systems (GPS) and Geographic Information Systems (GIS) to pinpoint the location of suspects and evidence and/or to assist in analyzing data to determine where crimes are occurring. All of these devices and technologies help the police become more effective and efficient in performing their duties. While reviewing all recent technological innovations of the past decade is impossible in the limited framework of one lesson, we touched on several more interesting advances and some of their consequences. Remember, these advances in technology will affect the whole of society and will require a commitment on the part of professional police personnel to develop responsible information management policies for the future. The opportunities presented by instantaneous communication among police agencies at all levels and in diverse geographic areas are indeed exciting. Yet the challenges of developing a system in which information flows freely among agencies while reconciling the right to privacy with police needs to know will not be easily met. There is at least a chance that, as the gap between technology available to industry and that available to the police narrows, the possibility of an electronic ‘Big Brother’ society and the subsequent erosion of personal privacy rights will increase. For police chiefs, budgeting for these technological advances would be a significant concern. Some personnel may resist adopting new devices or software and feel stressed about learning how to use the tech quickly. When considering where law enforcement is headed in the next five years and beyond, embracing technology is another key challenge. Innovations can happen quickly; name three of these new technologies you feel have the potential to help reduce crime and keep the community safe. 
Then, discuss the following: 
Do you feel Biometrics, such as hand-held scanners and facial recognition tools, should be used by the police? What may be two advantages and two disadvantages of using the technology? 
Provide your thoughts on Gunshot Detectors, sensors, and mapping technologies that can detect gunshots within specific high-crime areas and dispatch the police without a call for service being received. 
Provide your thoughts on using Police Drones, drones that can take photos of crime scenes and survey search areas. (However, they also see into areas people may expect privacy in.) 
Do the costs and benefits warrant the use of this technology? Provide your thoughts on the use of technology to reduce Vehicle Pursuit Darts, such as foam darts that can be released by police vehicles and attach to a vehicle, allowing officers to track their movements with GPS. 
Are there any legal concerns with this type of technology?
Response should demonstrate thoughtful consideration of the ideas and concepts presented in the course by providing new thoughts and insights relating directly to this topic. Your response should reflect scholarly writing and current APA standards where appropriate. 

The paper should include an
overview of the subject and major relevant points relative to economic, social and/or legal implications or
impacts. Moreover, the paper should incorporate the role of the Saint Leo University core value of
Community as it relates to local response to terrorism (e.g., mutual aid agreements, regionalization
approaches, multi-jurisdictional training or exercises, cross-discipline training or exercises, interoperable
communications, etc) The paper has a required minimum length of 2500 words and must conform to APA style and formatting.
This includes a running head, page numbers, cover page, abstract, introduction, body, summary of
findings, conclusion, in-text citations, and reference page. Non-APA formatted papers will receive an
automatic 25 point reduction. A minimum of five references are required, with no more than two from Internet sources. Additional
grading criteria will include clarity of presentation, quality of content, mastery of content, care and
attention to detail, organization, originality of presentation, and the value and interest of the presentation,
as well as proper grammar and punctuation. A grading rubric is available in the course Doc Sharing
section.
The assignment must be your original work. You are required to use no more than 15% of others quoted
work when completing any assignments within this course of study. Your research paper must therefore
be 85% original. No previously submitted papers, articles, reports or project, in whole or in part, to any
university or college will be accepted.

Part I
The Fourth Amendment sets limitations
to stop and frisk and arrests. It also affords individuals to be protected
against unreasonable searches and seizures. This discussion asks you to
examine probable cause and illegal searches and seizures.
Please thoroughly discuss each of the
following:
A police officer must have probable cause to
arrest an individual.  How much probable cause is needed to secure an
arrest or search warrant? What is the difference between a stop, a frisk,
and an arrest? 
What is the exclusionary rule? Discuss the
exceptions to the exclusionary rule.
Part II
Using the facts provided to you in the
Week One discussion, answer the following questions:
1) Did the police have probable cause
to arrest Mayo?
2) Did law enforcement violate Mayo’s
constitutional rights? If yes, explain how. If not, explain why.
3) Were the police required to read
Mayo his Miranda Rights? Discuss why.

Write a 500 word case brief for Chisholm v. Georgia, 2 U.S. 419 ….Please search for it on your own and read the opinion (or more likely a condensed version of the opinion.)  Please note that there are many briefs of the opinion online.  I would encourage you to avoid reading just a brief – find the actual opinion. More importantly, do not use a brief you find online – create your own.  

Successful policing requires an atmosphere of trust and confidence between the citizenry and those who are sworn to serve and protect them – the police. Unfortunately, various types of misconduct by police officers occur all too frequently, serving to create an atmosphere of suspicion, mistrust, and uncertainty between the two groups. One needs only examine daily media accounts of such misconduct to realize the depth and breadth of corrupt and unethical law enforcement practices. On any given day, you might find stories of police officers who have brutalized suspects, planted drugs on innocent citizens, committed crimes, or engaged in other inappropriate conduct (Thompson, 2001). Whenever allegations of corruption arise and are confirmed, effective policing is severely inhibited. Thompson (2001) notes that equality under the law is the foundation of American criminal justice, and when police officers act as if they are above the law, the very essence of law enforcement and criminal justice in our society is subverted. Discussion Criteria Explain whether you believe current methods to address corruption and misconduct are effective. Include brief examples to support your thoughts. How do these methods strain or strengthen relations between the citizenry and police officers? Include one tip for improvement police could implement today. Length: 150-200 words Your response should demonstrate thoughtful consideration of the ideas and concepts presented in the course by providing new thoughts and insights relating directly to this topic. Your response should reflect scholarly writing and current APA standards where appropriate. Additional resources are not required but be sure to cite any you use.  

CJA443 Current Issues in Law Enforcement has examined numerous critical issues facing law enforcement and public safety. For this Signature Assignment, choose an additional important issue, one we have not covered in class, and one you think will become the next significant issue facing law enforcement in the future. I would appreciate it if you would concentrate on population growth and its adverse affects on road rage incidents. So many people have moved into the area that the infrastructure cannot handle the volume of traffic causing major delays. You can mention legal or illegal immigrants, but where I live is mostly seniors escaping the cold being in southwest Florida (Manatee County specifically).  Homelessness is also a huge factor with the cost of living pricing people out of their homes. Many benefits in Manatee County: white sand beaches and vacation destination. It’s also a highly coveted area for retiring.  
After careful consideration, select the most important or pressing issue facing your agency, jurisdiction, region of law enforcement, and public safety broadly, that was not covered in this course. Other than avoiding a redundant topic that has already been covered in the course, there are no restrictions on your choice of topic. 
Signature Assignment Criteria
Assume you are briefing recruits who have just completed their police academy training. These recruits are interested in applying to your department, and your chief has requested you present the following information to your audience in a PowerPoint presentation:
Define and describe the issue. How is it impacting your community? 
Present an overview of the critical issue and empirical evidence on its scope and prevalence.
Examine the various elements/subtopics of the issue. Including evidence and the voices/positions of topic-specific experts will add value to this section.
Based on the evidence provided, what can/should law enforcement and public safety professionals be doing today to best prepare for this issue moving forward? 
Length: 8-10 slides (not including title and reference slides), with 50-100 words of notes per slide that could serve as a transcript or talking points. 
References: Support your presentation with a minimum of 3 scholarly or professional resources.  

I have a provided a file with the complete instructions for the assignment on it. Basically, there are 2 readings for which there are 6 questions to answer. 2 questions are associated with the first reading (Godard) and 4 questions are associated with the second reading (Johnstone) The assignment has to be done using the APA format style for the presentation and citations. 

What is the research question section?
The goal of the research question section is to clearly state the question you are asking and why finding an answer to the question is important. Note that the degree of importance needn’t be life-changing, ground-breaking, or reality changing; rather, you should be able to demonstrate—using research—that the question addresses a current problem/challenge or provides clarity on some issue.
How do I frame my research question?
Note that your research question should generally be asking one of the following:
Whether something (x) has an impact on/a correlation with something else (y); OR
Which things in x category is best/worst (this is essentially a ranking question); OR
What the degree of an impact/correlation re: x to y is; OR
How/What is the mechanism by which x has an impact on/correlation with y; OR
If you are asking #3 or #4, then your background section should either a.) show that past research has fairly conclusively demonstrated that #1 is already true; or b.) show that there is a mix of research on the issue—some finding an impact/correlation and some not—and then explain in the methodology section why you believe the research finding an impact/correlation is more convincing than the research that hasn’t found one, such that you can ask your current research question.
Many students are asking questions about whether a relationship between variables, populations, laws/policies, etc. exists and asking questions similar to 2 and 3. If you are, I recommend holding off on the second question for now, as it can easily be a full paper just to demonstrate/discuss the existence of such a relationship. Additionally, it’s good practice not to assume a relationship exists when planning on what you are writing about—after all, if you find that one doesn’t exist, it renders you subsequent
What is my research question is more like a hypothesis?
If your paper is more experimental in nature (this should be less common), you might (also) have a hypothesis for your topic. This is a prediction of what the relationship between the variables is. If so, be sure your background section firmly establishes what information informed your hypothesis. Using the above 3 research questions, your hypothesis should generally be phrased similarly to one of the following:
I predict that x will have a positive/negative/non-existent impact on y; OR
I predict that thing A, thing D, and thing Q are the best/worst; OR
I predict that the size of x’s impact on y will be small/large (the amount should be
quantified as specifically as possible, backed up with research/rationale to show how
reached the predicted amount); OR
I predict that x’s impact on y is achieved by abc (with research to show why that is a
reasonable prediction)
What is a methodology section?
The goal of the methodology section is to convey to the reader information about your evaluative criteria (prongs) and the manner in which you went about collecting and analyzing your data. This explanation should allow someone else to not only fully understand but replicate your process.
What goes into discussing the evaluative criteria/prongs?
The evaluative criteria should be fairly neutral and not tied specifically to your substantive topic, but to the category under which your topic falls. So, if you are evaluating whether a specific policy has an impact on sentencing length, your criteria should be neutral enough that ANY policy could be evaluated the same way to come up with an answer.
For example, if my research question is “What is the best fruit to consume?”, my evaluative criteria (as listed before in the outline) are:
Availability (e.g. price, harvest period, geographical location, etc.)
Nutritional value
Level of pleasure in its consumption
Note that these criteria could be used to evaluate the consumption of any number of other things, simply by replacing “fruit” with things like “vegetable”, “pasta noodle”, “chocolate”, or even something like “bed sheet thread count”. I can use the same “test” to compare different vegetables to each other, different noodles to each other, etc. for chocolates and thread counts using the exact same criteria.
If you want to determine whether x has an impact on y, what aspects or characteristics are you using to define an “impact”? If you want to find the degree of impact, what are the different forms of measurement being used? Be sure to justify your choices via research. Note, however, that other research might be tangentially tied to your specific question/topic, but still be relevant. For example, I could use information on the nutritional value of various fruits more generally, information gathered from a variety of sources that have nothing to do with evaluating which
fruits to eat, the price of fruits, etc. It could be in an article simply looking at the various shades of a particular color fruit comes in, and the provision of nutritional information is just a part of the article—that’s totally fine, since the only information being used from it is nutritional information on different fruits.
How do I describe my research process? It feels like all I did was look for journal articles!
While you may not realize it, your process involved so much more than that! For example:
You developed specific search terms that helped narrow your search;
You made decisions about whether to use articles that used quantitative or qualitative data
gathered by the authors (or that used mixed methods!);
You determined what polling center data to use and the appropriate timeframe (e.g. only
the past 20 years, from each decade since a policy was started, etc.);
You determined what descriptive data you needed and which institutions/organizations
(e.g. non-profit organizations, government agencies, financial/legal firms, etc.) to use as
the source for the data;
You found specific authors/researchers whose research was frequently cited, whose
research area matched your topic, etc. and thus narrowed your search for information accordingly
And so many more possibilities! This is the section in which you’ll describe those processes, and you’ll use research to justify those choices where you can but otherwise your own observations. For example, maybe a lot of articles were tagged in a certain way, in which case you cite to the articles that have a specific tag (hashtags are, afterall, just an extension of other methods of “tagging” or categorizing things and were directly influenced by the tagging system used in libraries).
Or, maybe a few articles used Pew polls and you found other research articles that all demonstrated or discussed the reliability of Pew polls, which justified your choice in using them as well (and keep in mind, some of those articles that say “Pew polls are awesome” might not necessarily related to your topic at all, and that’s ok!).
This is the section to chronicle that part of your process, such that I could hand your paper to another scholar and they could conduct research in a similar manner and come up with similar results.